Mental health professionals help movie-goers at Sundance Film Festival

PARK CITY – Movies can make us laugh, but they can also make us cry. People attending the Sundance Film Festival are guaranteed to experience a rollercoaster of emotions. That’s why a group of professionals from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute are sitting inside Sundance screenings, ready to help patrons unpack some of the heavier storylines.

“Films are powerful,” Amanda McNab, a licensed clinical social worker with the Huntsman Health Institute, said. “That’s kind of the whole purpose of the art.”

McNab told KSL TV that audience members are going through something during films, following along with the main characters.

“There definitely have been times where I’ve had to stop and just check in with myself and say ‘Okay, how are you feeling?’” McNab said.

McNab is one of approximately 23 counselors helping Sundance patrons. She said it is not announced which movies the counselors will be attending and they’re purposefully not wearing uniforms, but they’re ready to help any audience member at any time.

“We don’t really like to announce our presence because we don’t want people to think that a film is a certain way before they actually get to see it,” McNab said.

The Huntsman counselors are focused on movies with highly political themes and those that feature mental illness.

“A lot of times we know that if we talk about events that are upsetting to us quickly after that event has happened, that it’s less likely to be disturbing in the long run,” McNab said.

Whether it’s at home or the festival, she encouraged people to check in with themselves after watching a movie that elicited a strong response.

“Maybe take a deep breath at times just to say ‘Okay, this is somebody else’s story, and I have an opportunity to be a part of it for a minute,’” she said.

opportunity to be a part of it for a minute,’” she said.

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Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more.

These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services
• Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.